SABIC Partners with MAUSER to Develop High-Performance, Cost-Effective Granulated HDPE for Industrial Containers

Sittard, the Netherlands – January 19, 2011 – SABIC, a global plastics industry leader, today announced that its high-performance SABIC® HDPE ICP 5602 material for industrial containers is now commercially available. The breakthrough high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – developed collaboratively with MAUSER, a leading producer of industrial packaging - is designed for blow moulding of tight head drums with a capacity of 25 to 220 litres. SABIC® HDPE ICP 5602 resin combines very high impact and rigidity with excellent processing performance and optimal resistance to stress cracks and chemicals. Most significantly, this material delivers improved melt flow for higher productivity and reduced energy usage, and its granular form – a departure from traditional powders – prevents waste, increases machine efficiency and permits safer product handling.

SABIC® HDPE ICP 5602 resin is designed to be used for the production of UN-approved containers – subject to government approvals and registrations. Its excellent performance meets the UN-requirements for plastics packaging. Therefore it is ideal for storage and transport of high-value or hazardous liquids. In addition the material is approved for food contact applications.

“MAUSER takes pride in providing packaging and services that combine cost effectiveness with high performance and environmental protection,” said Wim Bloks, head of global Procurement within MAUSER. “When we identified a need for an improved resin technology that could match our sustainable expectations, we turned to SABIC for their expertise, innovation and responsiveness to our needs. The granulated HDPE that SABIC developed in close cooperation with our product development and operational processing experts met all of our requirements – including a reliable, long-term source of supply. This material is making a positive impact on our manufacturing and sustainability performance, while satisfying customer demand.”

By utilising the new SABIC® HDPE resin grade for industrial containers, MAUSER has been able to increase efficiency in the production of high level performing tight head drums. Furthermore the granulate form of the material is an advantage in regard to material handling and cleanness in the factories.

“Our industry-leading research and development capabilities enabled SABIC to create a completely new product line in just 18 months,” said Mario Scholle, Business Manager HDPE – SABIC region Europe. “By enhancing performance and processability and even developing a more useful granular form, we met MAUSER’s needs for true innovation. This collaboration is now benefiting the entire industrial container industry. Our strategic partnerships with customers are an essential aspect of SABIC’s technological leadership.”

About SABIC
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) ranks among the world’s top six petrochemical companies. The company is among the world’s market leaders in the production of polyethylene, polypropylene and other advanced thermoplastics, glycols, methanol and fertilizers.

SABIC recorded a net profit of SR 9 billion (US$ 2.4 billion) in 2009. Sales revenues for 2009 totaled SR 103 billion (US$ 27 billion). Total assets stood at SR 297 billion (US$ 79.2 billion) at the end of 2009.

SABIC’s businesses are grouped into Chemicals, Polymers, Performance Chemicals, Fertilizers, Metals and Innovative Plastics. SABIC has significant research resources with six dedicated Technology & Innovation Centers in Saudi Arabia, Europe, the USA and India. The company operates in more than 40 countries across the world with 33,000 employees worldwide.

The company has 19 world-scale complexes in Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, SABIC manufactures on a global scale in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. SABIC’s overall production has increased from 35 million metric tons in 2001 to 59 million metric tons in 2009.

Headquartered in Riyadh, SABIC was founded in 1976 when the Saudi Arabian Government decided to use the hydrocarbon gases associated with its oil production as the principal feedstock for production of chemicals, polymers and fertilizers. The Saudi Arabian Government owns 70 percent of SABIC shares with the remaining 30 percent held by private investors in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
About SABIC in Europe
In Europe, SABIC has 13 world-scale production facilities which manufacture innovative plastics, polyethylenes, polypropylenes and chemical products. Throughout Europe, SABIC employs approximately 6000 people.

The main European offices for three of SABIC’s strategic business units are located in The Netherlands - Innovative Plastics (Bergen op Zoom), Polymers (Sittard) and Chemicals (Sittard). They operate an extensive network of local sales offices and logistical hubs throughout Europe which are also responsible for the sales of products manufactured elsewhere in the world.

SABIC’s European research facilities form part of the global Technology and Innovation organization and can be found in the Netherlands (Geleen and Bergen op Zoom) and Spain (Cartagena).
About MAUSER
MAUSER Group is a leading producer of industrial packaging with approx. 4,000 employees and revenues of around EUR 1 billion. Its largest business is plastic packaging, followed by metal and IBC packaging, reconditioning services and machinery for packaging production. MAUSER Group operates more than 50 locations in Europe, North America, South America, Latin America and Asia. Two networks – one for plastic and one for the production of steel drums – include approximately 30 members in more than 20 countries and make MAUSER quality products and services available worldwide.
For further information www.mausergroup.com.
Media Notes
• As an acronym, SABIC should be all caps whenever it appears in print.
• ® Trademark of SABIC

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This release was published on openPR.